I’ve been on a journey for several years to find out what I need to know about quilt labels. Now I am a convert and I’m on a mission to get a label on all of my quilts. So many ways and so many styles, it ‘s going to be fun.
My label story: I wasn’t one to label my quilts with just a few exceptions. And then I was asked to finish a quilt for a member of our church. The woman was in the early stages of dementia. The quilt had been started by her brother several years earlier. He had it completely cut out and designed on graph paper. He had also completed 4 rows with about 16 rows remaining when he passed away. The woman stored it away before she could bear to think about it again. I took on the project, finishing the piecing and adding the backing, quilting, and binding. And then I decided to add a label. The label included the name that her late brother had given the quilt and I acknowledged her brother as the designer - the woman could only remember the nickname she called her brother and not his given name. And then my name and date as the finisher. When I returned the quilt to the woman, she had a moment of clarity and cried at the sight of the label. I have labeled everything since then.
This really touched me, what a beautiful thing you did for that family! I agree about the labeling. My own grandmother quilted a bedcover for my wedding shower. The quilt was a Flower Garden quilt out of hexis - 1-1/2" diameter to the points, and Grandma embroidered in the corner that it had been pieced by her and her mother and finished by her for me on (date). I so treasure that quilt!
I hand-quilted a quilt top pieced buy my great-grandma. I did this for my granddaughter. Before quilting I hand embroidered the following “1938 Pieced by Julia Quick Rainwater - 2020 Quilted by Great-Granddaughter Cynthia Polson Moore for her granddaughter Ella Abigail Moore”. I did this before quilting. This is the first quilt I’ve ever quilted. I’ve never made a quilt.
Yesterday I typed text quilt labels for ten quilts I own from Maple leaf made by my Grandma Ethel in 1930 to quilts I made over past ten years. I delivered the paper text and special fabric to my local print shop for printing. He was so impressed with all the old dates and asked me why I waited so long to add labels!! Good question....from now forward label then binding! So important to share the stories. Quilts deserve "birth certificate label". Loved your reinforcement video, thank you Karen. Blessings.
I always thought it was kind of showing off, conceded, self centered, or bragging, like blowing your own horn, & drawing attention to yourself, when someone put's a label on the things they sew. But thanks to you I see thing's clearly now. Labeling can make a happy memory for a loved one, when their family member, or friend has passed. Labeling can remind someone about a special event, a Wedding, birthday, baby showers, & so forth. I'll be putting labels on all my quits, & thing's I sew from now on. Thank you.
I believe this topic "Quilt Labels" needs to be more tutorials on how to! Labels are the most important process of quilting. Our quilts go the future that we will never see! Please show different ideas how to make tutorials, from hand stitching or on machine. Using stablizer to marking pens. I love all your tutorials ❤
I'm just getting to this video . . . and I love all these suggestions. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I've learned so much. Thank you!
Thank you again for an excellent video. We are the lucky recipients of your research and talents for video, teaching and presenting well thought out content.
Thanks for the excellent tutorial on quilt labels. I have a friend who was brought a 100 year old wedding quilt from a gentleman who saw the quilt was from her county in Colorado. She said of course and when she looked down at the names, they were her grandmother, great aunts, great grandmother’s. Neither party knew of the connection. It made me more diligent about putting on labels with the county included!
Thank you for this video Karen. My tutor when I started quilting 30 years ago always told us "a quilt is never complete until it is labelled". I labelled all mine with the fabric squares and wrote on with a laundry marker until I discovered the art of printing onto fabric and I was hooked! I can design whatever I feel is appropriate and much easier to read.
I laughed when you said it doesn't matter how long it takes to add a label. I have two quilts for my granddaughters I've made waiting for the labels over two years. The label is designed and ready to be added. My excuse is after completing the quilt I was tired of handling the fabric that I didn't add it.I know the importance of this and why I made it for them. This was a sign for me to "Get It Done". Thanks for sharing.
I have been successful at perfectly running freezer paper through my printer several times. I also use a word processor to create the desired verbage, then using a light box, tracing it onto my fabric. I have several iron on transfer books that I like to color and add my info to using that method.
Yes, Please do a video on reverse applique. I would love to learn how to do it and you are such a good, thorough instructor. Thank you so much for all the info you have already shared.
Yes, please do a video on reverse edge applique. Labels have always been a puzzle for me. It's amazing how the mind can make the unknown seem so daunting. This was a great eye opener and I thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills!
I love this. I never label my quilts, but when I inherited my grandmother’s craft room recently, I found a quilt she had finished and labelled. So now I know who to pass it onto. I am going to label all of my quilts in future, and I have some of Nan’s label blanks I can use too.
I only made one quilt - helping my cousin make a t-shirt quilt from her high school theatre days. I forget who said that we should make a label, but we did. It's got her name and mine, the date, the school she went to... I forget what else. Looking back, I'm really glad we did label it, so people know it's more than just a collection of t-shirts, its a collection of her memories.
I was taught from the start to name and label my quilts. My labels are quite detailed as they include who it is for and why, made by me and techniques used as well as dated. I often use left over blocks or specifically design an applique for the label relating to the theme of the quilt. Eg... "Name of Quilt" .... This quilt was made for "XYZ" by "ABC" to celebrate the occasion of their 40th birthday. Gifted to them on "date" ... Machine pieced, hand appliqued and machine quilted. If I am making a memory quilt for someone out of the clothes of their loved one I always include a Blue Forget Me Not somewhere on the label
I was lucky to have visited a show with the Canadian donation war quilts a few years ago. I never realised that happened. What a lovely thing to have done for the folks over here.
I have a quilt I made in a gift bag in the back of my car, ready to go to the Bridal Shower tomorrow. It's a combination Shower/Wedding gift for my nephew's fiancee. Does it have a label? Yes it does! My labels always have the name of the quilt pattern, my name which includes both my maiden and married names, who the quilt is for and the date it was made or the date of the event. I also include a box of Color Catchers and instructions on how to care for the quilt. The label on this one is a bit messy looking, but I had to do this one in a hurry because it just came back from the quilter. I think I'll have to do future labels on our printer. Thank you so very much for sharing all these great label tips with us!
Thanks Karen. I had not thought of a couple of the ideas. I use 14 ct Aida cloth for my labels. As I was a former counted cross stitcher, it seemed a logical way for me as I used to add my name and date to the counted cross stitch piece once completed. For a tag, I stitch Created for (name) by (me) date I completed. I made quilts for my son's stepchildren after he passed away. We had discussed making them just weeks before. I named the quilts Ethan's Midnight Star and Ethan's Ocean Breeze which went along with the theme/color and added-- in his memory--to the tags. I recently completed a quilt for my daughter-in-law's niece. Her mom died of Ovarian cancer so the tag, as well as the quilt, was done in teals in her memory. I think it's important to label and date. I would hope my quilts will last a long time and hopefully the future generations will have it as a keepsake and know the history of who made it and when. Also, the aida cloth gives you a grid to follow to hand stitch it on. I zig zag edges and tuck it under on all 4 sides to ensure against fraying as i stitch it onto the back, (but not through the front.)
How did you know I was searching for quilt labels? And here you post this just now. 🤣 I am gifting my first quilt for a baby shower. Thank you, I'm going to watch your video.
I gave been labeling my quilts for a few years now, even if they are just a wall hanging for me. Someday I won't be here and maybe someone will be interested to know who made it and when. I put my name, city/state, year, pattern name and who it's for if it's a gift. I put Grandma or Mom if it's for my children but always include my given name as well. I would love to see a video on reverse applique. I love applique but, except for one, none of the other RUclipsrs who do tutorials seem to be interested in that style.
Oh wow needed this video. I have played at quilting for over 50 years and never made a label. I used to sign my cross stitch work but never my quilts. Was thinking the ones I have still I should label. Especially my Covid quilt. Need to get busy
I actually got into quilting because I was helping finish and label my mother’s quilts. Since I didn’t make the quilts, I was able to put extra effort into making the labels special. I did quite a bit of research into making labels on RUclips. This is like a compilation of my research. I plan my label before I finish the quilt. My favorite way to frame a label is with selvages from fabric used in the quilt. That way the edges are already finished and won’t fray. PS I just bought a beautiful cross stitched picture on Etsy. It is professionally framed. I asked the seller about the history of the piece but all she could tell me was it was found at a thrift store. We need to label our precious needlework so it might not be lost. I would love for the family of this talented stitcher to have this.
I machine stitch the label on the binding itself so it shows up on the back once sewn, or create a small linear tag to include in the binding similar to a levi tag on jeans.
Hi Karen! You always seem to find great topics to talk and teach us about. I'm delighted to hear that 2 more WWII Canada quilts have been located. I hope you can do a follow up interview with Joanna down the road to see how many more have been found. Take care and stay well! ~~ Lynne
I feel like family history is one of the important things in life, and I feel like quilt labels are such a great way to make that connection between generations personal and lasting! Thanks for the good tips!
Thanks Karen for your video. Unfortunately, before I knew about quilt labels, I let two go!! I have three quilts on the go, and they will definitely get a label before they leave my house. Before quilting, I sewed clothes, bedding, coats, curtains, pillows, table cloths etc, etc…now I’m addicted to charms packs, jelly rolls and layer cakes for quilts!! I am making my first ISpy quilt for a very young child; can’t wait to finish it. Thanks for your videos, they inspire me to try!!
I just finished the label for my nephew's 2021 graduation quilt today. I used scraps from the quilt including pieced scraps. I always include a button somewhere on all my quilts except for one's I make for babies and small children.
Thank you for this video! I have made five quilts just this year, and have questioned every question you opened this video with. And, as a beginner quilter, I thought none of them were good enough to label, but they were made with love and given to family members anyway. Now, I think I’ll make labels for them. Thanks for the tips on how, where and most importantly, why to put them on. This was quite enlightening.
Good idea, leaving information for future quilt owners. I wish someone had done such on the old quilts my grandmother used to cover her plants during an early frost. Much to think about.
I use to put labels on my quilts, but I got lazy and stopped. This year I've started again making labels and putting on the quilt, Thank you for this video
Making and fixing the label on my quilts is my least favourite job 😳😳 So much fiddling about 😞 cutting the piece out, adding the interface, adding the wording, removing all the backing paper, stitching it in place 😞 but I make myself do it 😳 I’d love to see some demonstrations of how to make this tedious job easier 🤔 Many thanks for sharing 😊🇬🇧
thank you for all the great ideas and variations. I have labeled several different ways. My favorite is to piece it into the backing while using scraps from the front. One time early on, I just put my name on the back this way. Then a friend saw that and encouraged me to make a special name for my quilting work, and after he passed away suddenly, I came up with one, and now I use it all the time. It's a remembrance to him, and a reference to quilting.
Not everyone understands why we, as quilters, sign our work with a label. That's how I explain it: this is a piece of art (that can be used as a blanket!) and this is how I sign it! I have used different techniques including a product from Avery for T-shirt transfers (3279 and 3271) which can be printed and ironed on. They last a long time. If I want to add info, I can write on them with a Sharpie style pen. Recently, I have been using Sew-In Fabric Sheets for Ink Jet Printers from June Tailor, Inc. They give me a little more creative license than the iron on transfers. My talented husband created an adorable house logo for me and it goes on all my quilts. This past year (2021) I made 15 quilts for children and grandchildren and colored in each house logo with permanent markers to match the colors of the quilt and their name and mine along with the year are on the label. Labels are wonderful!
Karen, I really enjoyed this video and your nice comment about my mother and her label. I like the idea of incorporating it into a quilt block and piece it into the back. I think I will do that with my current quilt. Thanks again for all of your tips, tricks and strategies
I have always added labels to my quilts because I inherited so many quilts that I would love to know their story. On the ones that I do know the history, I have added a label to them. Thanks for these creative ideas.
In the state where I live in Australia we are now labelling the quilts that go out to charities as they are given out to vulnerable people and children a charity quilt that was labeled and numbered help to identify a child and her mother helping the police and giving them some dignity so labels can be very important
I had only heard of labeling quilts, and honestly not given much thought to that practice. After reading only about 3 comments, I think I will incorporate this, just thinking about how I want to do that! Thank you, Karen for this video!!
I definitely have felt my work isn’t good enough to label. I’m very much a beginner quilter but I’m going to label them from now on. Thank you for another great video.
At the very end of the video when you were showing labels for purchase, I noticed a triangular shaped one. I started doing this myself a while ago. I use freezer paper / fabric / printer technique. If you have some skills, you can print four labels from one sheet. Only one raw edge to sew by hand too!
Hi Karen! I love your work. I know that you now have an embroidery attachment for your Bernina. I use my embroidery machine to put labels on the backing fabric. I can longarm right over the label as long as I slow down a bit. I use cutaway stabilizer to minimize puckers. As I wash the quilt it softens up nicely. My best advice, put the label in the middle of your backing.
Yes, label them! I am blessed with many quilts made by my great grandmother, who was a seamstress and used the scraps for her blocks. She didnt label any of them. So, I know the WHO but not the WHEN or WHY. I can make some good guesses as to approximate dates thanks to my mom's memories but it would be nice to have a better idea.
Yes, please do a video on reverse edge applique quilt labels. :) What about pockets, especially with scraps from the quilt...as the years go on and there might be wear and tear on the quilt, it's good to have a few back up matching pieces to match the quilt as it needs mended. I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention that on a youtube quilting video.
Great tutorial Karen! I have made hundreds of quilts in my 63 years. I do label them using a whole variety of techniques. Occasionally I’ll come across one I didn’t label and it drives me crazy!
I put a embroidered gnome (one of my obsession) with the year on every quilt. Where I place it depends on the quilt and I try to have the gnome doing something the person like to do.
Karen (and friends) - I'm a little late to the video but thoroughly enjoyed it. I try to get a label on every quilt and I almost always make it on my domestic. Most of the quilts around our house get washed often - either there's tons of pet hair on them on the bed, and many are used as tablecloths where we eat every day. I use the domestic because I want the labels to last through frequent washing, but I am open to other methods that do not fade over time. How does everyone else make labels for often-washed quilts?
Karen thank you for doing this video, it made me stop & think I need to put a quilt label on it. This is my first quilt top I’ve finished & now can’t wait to put a label on it. Thank you for doing this video in time so I can add the label before having it quilted. Thank you so much for all your videos you make, they have helped me a lot & given me new ideas of quilts I want to start next. Plus I look forward to your video. Best wishes & Happy Quilting!✂️🧵
Ok this was super informative and inspirational. I'm going to go back and start labeling my quilts I've made. So many wonderful ideas on what to do! Thanks my Quilt Momma!!
I love the variety of your videos. That some can be listened to, like this one, without being watched (although I know I do miss some of the visual support, it is nice to have something I can enjoy while doing short chores around the house).
Perfect timing Karen 😊 I’ve basted and now half way through quilting my very first quilt. I wasn’t sure whether or not to label mine but now I definitely will. Thank you 💕💕
If I make a lable it is pretty basic. The informatin given is normally the year it was finished, the first name of the recipient and sometimes my first name. I like to use orphan blocks or make a new block from leftover scraps. Then two edges are caught with the binding and the other two are needle turn appliqued. I really like to add a label to the first quilt I made. Was a present for my mom and probably would be a nice touch to have a lable on it, too.
Since I am just starting with quilting "real quilts" - a term my great-grandmother used for a quilt that was a planned project rather than a scrappy put-together for need quilt - I am starting to plan my labels for them as well. Since I also cross-stitch, my plan is to backstitch the information onto fine-woven linen or cotton cross-stitch fabric then applique it to the quilt back once the quilt is finished. I'm hoping I can make it work out well in the end.
Nice video! As a faithful viewer I’ve been hearing you talk about labels for a few years, so I’ve been adding them every time. I buy the Sweetwater labels and add some fabric around the label and appliqué it on after quilting. It’s very satisfying to see it on there.
I often write a letter or a story on the backing fabric using FMQing. ( This is done before the quilting but it is very readable. ) This came in handy when my DD went away to college ... Her quilt was stolen when someone raided her dorm room.... but we got it and most of the items back because contact information was on the quilt . I have also written letters in Italian to my sister when I make her a quilt ( used Google Transalation ) as she is the only one in the family that reads / understands Italian.
Thank you for this video. I was once told - the quilt is not complete until the label is on !! I use a thin calico fabric and the freezer paper / print on computer method. I also heat set the printing with an iron just after printing. You have reminded me of how important it is to document details of the quilt as I hope my quilts will be used and passed on through my family, friends and also my charity quilts.
Thank you for this video. I have been trying to think of a legacy to leave my children and grandchildren. Now I realize I can leave my messages for them in a quilt label.
I also do embroidery so I bought a quilt label transfer pattern book. This is a great resource and can be purchased online or in a quilt specialty shop.
Love Love Love this tutorial. So great, such wonderful ideas. I need to slo-mo the video so I can really see/get a handle on the ones I like. My cousin told me, absolutely, one must use a label. I've gone the Etsy route three times. But I must say I love the embroidered ones, so special. Many terrific samples. Awesome tutorial Karen, thank you!
Thank you for this. I am a new quilter, and have known I needed to do labels for those going to people I know. I've been hung up on the how to. Your video has been the nudge (kick) I needed. One is across the country and too late, but the one most precious to my heart is my mom's, just up two levels.
Great info. I’ve always been baffled about making a label. I just ordered some from Spoonflower, due to your suggestion. Thank you. I really enjoy your channel. ♥️🙏🏼♥️
Thank you, Karen! What a wonderful inspiration you are for so many! I love this video and I had considered myself in the “not worthy” category. Please post a video of your reverse appliqué technique. I see in the comments that others would like to see that as well. Thank you for sharing with us. 😊
I used the inkjet printing method to make labels for clothes but noticed the ink completely fading away after only a few washes. I pretreated the fabric with the Bubble Jet set 2000 but didn't use a fixative afterward. When I made memory quilts for a client last winter I made sure to use the Bubble Jet Rinse after printing so the text wouldn't wash away.
I’ve been on a journey for several years to find out what I need to know about quilt labels. Now I am a convert and I’m on a mission to get a label on all of my quilts. So many ways and so many styles, it ‘s going to be fun.
My label story: I wasn’t one to label my quilts with just a few exceptions. And then I was asked to finish a quilt for a member of our church. The woman was in the early stages of dementia. The quilt had been started by her brother several years earlier. He had it completely cut out and designed on graph paper. He had also completed 4 rows with about 16 rows remaining when he passed away. The woman stored it away before she could bear to think about it again. I took on the project, finishing the piecing and adding the backing, quilting, and binding. And then I decided to add a label. The label included the name that her late brother had given the quilt and I acknowledged her brother as the designer - the woman could only remember the nickname she called her brother and not his given name. And then my name and date as the finisher. When I returned the quilt to the woman, she had a moment of clarity and cried at the sight of the label. I have labeled everything since then.
🤗🤗🤗 such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing
This really touched me, what a beautiful thing you did for that family! I agree about the labeling. My own grandmother quilted a bedcover for my wedding shower. The quilt was a Flower Garden quilt out of hexis - 1-1/2" diameter to the points, and Grandma embroidered in the corner that it had been pieced by her and her mother and finished by her for me on (date). I so treasure that quilt!
I hand-quilted a quilt top pieced buy my great-grandma. I did this for my granddaughter. Before quilting I hand embroidered the following “1938 Pieced by Julia Quick Rainwater - 2020 Quilted by Great-Granddaughter Cynthia Polson Moore for her granddaughter Ella Abigail Moore”. I did this before quilting. This is the first quilt I’ve ever quilted. I’ve never made a quilt.
👏👏👏 amazing
Yesterday I typed text quilt labels for ten quilts I own from Maple leaf made by my Grandma Ethel in 1930 to quilts I made over past ten years. I delivered the paper text and special fabric to my local print shop for printing. He was so impressed with all the old dates and asked me why I waited so long to add labels!! Good question....from now forward label then binding! So important to share the stories. Quilts deserve "birth certificate label". Loved your reinforcement video, thank you Karen. Blessings.
Perfect timing. I'm finishing up my grandson's quilt and took a short break to watch your video. Thank you!
I always thought it was kind of showing off, conceded, self centered, or bragging, like blowing your own horn, & drawing attention to yourself, when someone put's a label on the things they sew.
But thanks to you I see thing's clearly now.
Labeling can make a happy memory for a loved one, when their family member, or friend has passed. Labeling can remind someone about a special event, a Wedding, birthday, baby showers, & so forth. I'll be putting labels on all my quits, & thing's I sew from now on. Thank you.
It’s taken me some time to get there too
I believe this topic "Quilt Labels" needs to be more tutorials on how to! Labels are the most important process of quilting. Our quilts go the future that we will never see! Please show different ideas how to make tutorials, from hand stitching or on machine. Using stablizer to marking pens. I love all your tutorials ❤
So much information in a label. It’s not just Chanel and Dior but the everyday which is important historically.
I'm just getting to this video . . . and I love all these suggestions. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I've learned so much. Thank you!
Very helpful video, Karen. Thanks so much!
Thank you again for an excellent video. We are the lucky recipients of your research and talents for video, teaching and presenting well thought out content.
Thank you Karen. I enjoyed this topic on quilt labels. I would enjoy seeing a tutorial about the reverse applique technique.
Thanks for the excellent tutorial on quilt labels. I have a friend who was brought a 100 year old wedding quilt from a gentleman who saw the quilt was from her county in Colorado. She said of course and when she looked down at the names, they were her grandmother, great aunts, great grandmother’s. Neither party knew of the connection. It made me more diligent about putting on labels with the county included!
That is so lovely!
Great info regarding labels!!! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for this video Karen. My tutor when I started quilting 30 years ago always told us "a quilt is never complete until it is labelled". I labelled all mine with the fabric squares and wrote on with a laundry marker until I discovered the art of printing onto fabric and I was hooked! I can design whatever I feel is appropriate and much easier to read.
I laughed when you said it doesn't matter how long it takes to add a label. I have two quilts for my granddaughters I've made waiting for the labels over two years. The label is designed and ready to be added. My excuse is after completing the quilt I was tired of handling the fabric that I didn't add it.I know the importance of this and why I made it for them. This was a sign for me to "Get It Done". Thanks for sharing.
You are definitely NOT the only person in this boat. We could form a support group
Thid really inspired me to put lable on my very imperfect quilts! :)
I have been successful at perfectly running freezer paper through my printer several times. I also use a word processor to create the desired verbage, then using a light box, tracing it onto my fabric. I have several iron on transfer books that I like to color and add my info to using that method.
Wow this is one of your shortest yet wonderfully informative videos. I love it. Thank you 😊
Karen, Thanks for some many ideas, I labelled Quilts during lock down as Lock down Nó 1, 2 etc. With date and name.
Yes, Please do a video on reverse applique. I would love to learn how to do it and you are such a good, thorough instructor. Thank you so much for all the info you have already shared.
Yes, please do a video on reverse edge applique. Labels have always been a puzzle for me. It's amazing how the mind can make the unknown seem so daunting. This was a great eye opener and I thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills!
I love this. I never label my quilts, but when I inherited my grandmother’s craft room recently, I found a quilt she had finished and labelled. So now I know who to pass it onto. I am going to label all of my quilts in future, and I have some of Nan’s label blanks I can use too.
Ty for all the good information and I always learn something about you.🙃
Please do a reverse edge applique video! I'd love to see that 💖
So many great ideas. Thanks!
Yes, would love info on reverse appliqué! I looked and didn’t see info on this… but might of missed it
Thanks, always informative
I only made one quilt - helping my cousin make a t-shirt quilt from her high school theatre days. I forget who said that we should make a label, but we did. It's got her name and mine, the date, the school she went to... I forget what else. Looking back, I'm really glad we did label it, so people know it's more than just a collection of t-shirts, its a collection of her memories.
I was taught from the start to name and label my quilts. My labels are quite detailed as they include who it is for and why, made by me and techniques used as well as dated. I often use left over blocks or specifically design an applique for the label relating to the theme of the quilt. Eg... "Name of Quilt" .... This quilt was made for "XYZ" by "ABC" to celebrate the occasion of their 40th birthday. Gifted to them on "date" ... Machine pieced, hand appliqued and machine quilted. If I am making a memory quilt for someone out of the clothes of their loved one I always include a Blue Forget Me Not somewhere on the label
Very nice
I was lucky to have visited a show with the Canadian donation war quilts a few years ago. I never realised that happened. What a lovely thing to have done for the folks over here.
Yes I do need one.
I will be sure to label my quilts
I have a quilt I made in a gift bag in the back of my car, ready to go to the Bridal Shower tomorrow. It's a combination Shower/Wedding gift for my nephew's fiancee. Does it have a label? Yes it does! My labels always have the name of the quilt pattern, my name which includes both my maiden and married names, who the quilt is for and the date it was made or the date of the event. I also include a box of Color Catchers and instructions on how to care for the quilt. The label on this one is a bit messy looking, but I had to do this one in a hurry because it just came back from the quilter. I think I'll have to do future labels on our printer. Thank you so very much for sharing all these great label tips with us!
Thanks Karen. I had not thought of a couple of the ideas. I use 14 ct Aida cloth for my labels. As I was a former counted cross stitcher, it seemed a logical way for me as I used to add my name and date to the counted cross stitch piece once completed.
For a tag, I stitch Created for (name) by (me) date I completed. I made quilts for my son's stepchildren after he passed away. We had discussed making them just weeks before. I named the quilts Ethan's Midnight Star and Ethan's Ocean Breeze which went along with the theme/color and added-- in his memory--to the tags.
I recently completed a quilt for my daughter-in-law's niece. Her mom died of Ovarian cancer so the tag, as well as the quilt, was done in teals in her memory. I think it's important to label and date. I would hope my quilts will last a long time and hopefully the future generations will have it as a keepsake and know the history of who made it and when. Also, the aida cloth gives you a grid to follow to hand stitch it on. I zig zag edges and tuck it under on all 4 sides to ensure against fraying as i stitch it onto the back, (but not through the front.)
Id love a video about both kinds of applique.
How did you know I was searching for quilt labels? And here you post this just now. 🤣 I am gifting my first quilt for a baby shower. Thank you, I'm going to watch your video.
I gave been labeling my quilts for a few years now, even if they are just a wall hanging for me. Someday I won't be here and maybe someone will be interested to know who made it and when. I put my name, city/state, year, pattern name and who it's for if it's a gift. I put Grandma or Mom if it's for my children but always include my given name as well. I would love to see a video on reverse applique. I love applique but, except for one, none of the other RUclipsrs who do tutorials seem to be interested in that style.
Oh wow needed this video. I have played at quilting for over 50 years and never made a label. I used to sign my cross stitch work but never my quilts. Was thinking the ones I have still I should label. Especially my Covid quilt. Need to get busy
I actually got into quilting because I was helping finish and label my mother’s quilts. Since I didn’t make the quilts, I was able to put extra effort into making the labels special. I did quite a bit of research into making labels on RUclips. This is like a compilation of my research.
I plan my label before I finish the quilt. My favorite way to frame a label is with selvages from fabric used in the quilt. That way the edges are already finished and won’t fray.
PS I just bought a beautiful cross stitched picture on Etsy. It is professionally framed. I asked the seller about the history of the piece but all she could tell me was it was found at a thrift store. We need to label our precious needlework so it might not be lost. I would love for the family of this talented stitcher to have this.
Would love a video on reverse label appliqué!
I machine stitch the label on the binding itself so it shows up on the back once sewn, or create a small linear tag to include in the binding similar to a levi tag on jeans.
Hi Karen! You always seem to find great topics to talk and teach us about. I'm delighted to hear that 2 more WWII Canada quilts have been located. I hope you can do a follow up interview with Joanna down the road to see how many more have been found. Take care and stay well! ~~ Lynne
Labels are something I need to add to my quilts.
Thank you for this reminder! I have several quilts that are in need of a label. I like the idea of using scraps from the quilt on the label.
I feel like family history is one of the important things in life, and I feel like quilt labels are such a great way to make that connection between generations personal and lasting! Thanks for the good tips!
Thanks Karen for your video. Unfortunately, before I knew about quilt labels, I let two go!! I have three quilts on the go, and they will definitely get a label before they leave my house.
Before quilting, I sewed clothes, bedding, coats, curtains, pillows, table cloths etc, etc…now I’m addicted to charms packs, jelly rolls and layer cakes for quilts!! I am making my first ISpy quilt for a very young child; can’t wait to finish it.
Thanks for your videos, they inspire me to try!!
So glad to hear
I always label my quilts. On the quilts I’ve made for my grandchildren I’ve used a doily from their Great Grandmother as the label.
I’ve had a friend machine embroider the label right on the backing. Perfect and very fancy looking. Plus they don’t fade.
So happy to see you again! Hope you are feeling better. I have been so frustrated trying to come up with a good quilt label.
I just finished the label for my nephew's 2021 graduation quilt today. I used scraps from the quilt including pieced scraps. I always include a button somewhere on all my quilts except for one's I make for babies and small children.
Thank you for this video! I have made five quilts just this year, and have questioned every question you opened this video with. And, as a beginner quilter, I thought none of them were good enough to label, but they were made with love and given to family members anyway. Now, I think I’ll make labels for them. Thanks for the tips on how, where and most importantly, why to put them on. This was quite enlightening.
🤗🤗🤗
Good idea, leaving information for future quilt owners. I wish someone had done such on the old quilts my grandmother used to cover her plants during an early frost. Much to think about.
I use to put labels on my quilts, but I got lazy and stopped. This year I've started again making labels and putting on the quilt, Thank you for this video
Making and fixing the label on my quilts is my least favourite job 😳😳 So much fiddling about 😞 cutting the piece out, adding the interface, adding the wording, removing all the backing paper, stitching it in place 😞 but I make myself do it 😳 I’d love to see some demonstrations of how to make this tedious job easier 🤔 Many thanks for sharing 😊🇬🇧
thank you for all the great ideas and variations. I have labeled several different ways. My favorite is to piece it into the backing while using scraps from the front. One time early on, I just put my name on the back this way. Then a friend saw that and encouraged me to make a special name for my quilting work, and after he passed away suddenly, I came up with one, and now I use it all the time. It's a remembrance to him, and a reference to quilting.
I usually sign my quilts and put the year with free motion quilting in a border or some other interesting place.
I haven’t labeled any of mine yet, except one I donated, as it was required. I guess I still can. Thanks for the video.
What a great idea to do a group quilt share! Fantastic!
Not everyone understands why we, as quilters, sign our work with a label. That's how I explain it: this is a piece of art (that can be used as a blanket!) and this is how I sign it! I have used different techniques including a product from Avery for T-shirt transfers (3279 and 3271) which can be printed and ironed on. They last a long time. If I want to add info, I can write on them with a Sharpie style pen. Recently, I have been using Sew-In Fabric Sheets for Ink Jet Printers from June Tailor, Inc. They give me a little more creative license than the iron on transfers. My talented husband created an adorable house logo for me and it goes on all my quilts. This past year (2021) I made 15 quilts for children and grandchildren and colored in each house logo with permanent markers to match the colors of the quilt and their name and mine along with the year are on the label. Labels are wonderful!
Karen, I really enjoyed this video and your nice comment about my mother and her label. I like the idea of incorporating it into a quilt block and piece it into the back. I think I will do that with my current quilt. Thanks again for all of your tips, tricks and strategies
I appreciated that you shared it. She was a good person
I was so excited to see Lincoln, California on the label. Greetings from Colusa!
So many great ideas for labels! Thank you!
I have always added labels to my quilts because I inherited so many quilts that I would love to know their story. On the ones that I do know the history, I have added a label to them. Thanks for these creative ideas.
In the state where I live in Australia we are now labelling the quilts that go out to charities as they are given out to vulnerable people and children a charity quilt that was labeled and numbered help to identify a child and her mother helping the police and giving them some dignity so labels can be very important
Karen, I would love to see a video on reverse appliqué!
I had only heard of labeling quilts, and honestly not given much thought to that practice. After reading only about 3 comments, I think I will incorporate this, just thinking about how I want to do that! Thank you, Karen for this video!!
That label can tell a whole story
I definitely have felt my work isn’t good enough to label. I’m very much a beginner quilter but I’m going to label them from now on. Thank you for another great video.
I’m going back to my first quilts this week
I haven't even finished first quilt from 2005😢
Thanks Karen!! Love your videos!! Always so informational!! TY for your time!!
I always label my quilts. I do it very simply though with fabric marking pens.
At the very end of the video when you were showing labels for purchase, I noticed a triangular shaped one. I started doing this myself a while ago. I use freezer paper / fabric / printer technique. If you have some skills, you can print four labels from one sheet. Only one raw edge to sew by hand too!
My mom hand quilted a double wedding ring quilt for our anniversary. She hand quilted our names, the year, and her name in the quilting.
Hi Karen! I love your work. I know that you now have an embroidery attachment for your Bernina. I use my embroidery machine to put labels on the backing fabric. I can longarm right over the label as long as I slow down a bit. I use cutaway stabilizer to minimize puckers. As I wash the quilt it softens up nicely. My best advice, put the label in the middle of your backing.
Karen, this video really touched me for personal reasons, and came just as I needed it. Thank you! 😊🌹
Yes, label them! I am blessed with many quilts made by my great grandmother, who was a seamstress and used the scraps for her blocks. She didnt label any of them. So, I know the WHO but not the WHEN or WHY. I can make some good guesses as to approximate dates thanks to my mom's memories but it would be nice to have a better idea.
It might be interesting to look at old photos and see where the quilts or fabrics show up
Yes, please do a video on reverse edge applique quilt labels. :) What about pockets, especially with scraps from the quilt...as the years go on and there might be wear and tear on the quilt, it's good to have a few back up matching pieces to match the quilt as it needs mended. I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention that on a youtube quilting video.
Great tutorial Karen! I have made hundreds of quilts in my 63 years. I do label them using a whole variety of techniques. Occasionally I’ll come across one I didn’t label and it drives me crazy!
Yes, a turned edge appliqué video, please!
I put a embroidered gnome (one of my obsession) with the year on every quilt. Where I place it depends on the quilt and I try to have the gnome doing something the person like to do.
Karen (and friends) - I'm a little late to the video but thoroughly enjoyed it. I try to get a label on every quilt and I almost always make it on my domestic. Most of the quilts around our house get washed often - either there's tons of pet hair on them on the bed, and many are used as tablecloths where we eat every day. I use the domestic because I want the labels to last through frequent washing, but I am open to other methods that do not fade over time. How does everyone else make labels for often-washed quilts?
Karen thank you for doing this video, it made me stop & think I need to put a quilt label on it. This is my first quilt top I’ve finished & now can’t wait to put a label on it. Thank you for doing this video in time so I can add the label before having it quilted. Thank you so much for all your videos you make, they have helped me a lot & given me new ideas of quilts I want to start next. Plus I look forward to your video. Best wishes & Happy Quilting!✂️🧵
Ok this was super informative and inspirational. I'm going to go back and start labeling my quilts I've made. So many wonderful ideas on what to do! Thanks my Quilt Momma!!
I love the variety of your videos. That some can be listened to, like this one, without being watched (although I know I do miss some of the visual support, it is nice to have something I can enjoy while doing short chores around the house).
Perfect timing Karen 😊 I’ve basted and now half way through quilting my very first quilt. I wasn’t sure whether or not to label mine but now I definitely will. Thank you 💕💕
If I make a lable it is pretty basic. The informatin given is normally the year it was finished, the first name of the recipient and sometimes my first name. I like to use orphan blocks or make a new block from leftover scraps. Then two edges are caught with the binding and the other two are needle turn appliqued. I really like to add a label to the first quilt I made. Was a present for my mom and probably would be a nice touch to have a lable on it, too.
It’s never too late
Since I am just starting with quilting "real quilts" - a term my great-grandmother used for a quilt that was a planned project rather than a scrappy put-together for need quilt - I am starting to plan my labels for them as well. Since I also cross-stitch, my plan is to backstitch the information onto fine-woven linen or cotton cross-stitch fabric then applique it to the quilt back once the quilt is finished. I'm hoping I can make it work out well in the end.
Sounds lovely
Yet to very make a label, but now the possibility is more likely to happen. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊
Nice video! As a faithful viewer I’ve been hearing you talk about labels for a few years, so I’ve been adding them every time. I buy the Sweetwater labels and add some fabric around the label and appliqué it on after quilting. It’s very satisfying to see it on there.
I often write a letter or a story on the backing fabric using FMQing. ( This is done before the quilting but it is very readable. ) This came in handy when my DD went away to college ... Her quilt was stolen when someone raided her dorm room.... but we got it and most of the items back because contact information was on the quilt . I have also written letters in Italian to my sister when I make her a quilt ( used Google Transalation ) as she is the only one in the family that reads / understands Italian.
Thanks for sharing. I love this story
Thank you for this video. I was once told - the quilt is not complete until the label is on !! I use a thin calico fabric and the freezer paper / print on computer method. I also heat set the printing with an iron just after printing. You have reminded me of how important it is to document details of the quilt as I hope my quilts will be used and passed on through my family, friends and also my charity quilts.
Great tutorial! I have been trying to remember to add a label to quilts I make. And yes please for a video on reverse applique.
Thank you for this video. I have been trying to think of a legacy to leave my children and grandchildren. Now I realize I can leave my messages for them in a quilt label.
Excellent description, very true about why we must do it!!! As always, very accurate!!!! Many thxxxxxs
I love hand embroidering my quilts. Gives an extra personal touch.
Great video! Thanks so much for sharing.
I did, on the quilt stitch label, hand stitched a label and printed one from a printer.
I also do embroidery so I bought a quilt label transfer pattern book. This is a great resource and can be purchased online or in a quilt specialty shop.
Love Love Love this tutorial. So great, such wonderful ideas. I need to slo-mo the video so I can really see/get a handle on the ones I like. My cousin told me, absolutely, one must use a label. I've gone the Etsy route three times. But I must say I love the embroidered ones, so special. Many terrific samples. Awesome tutorial Karen, thank you!
Thank you for this. I am a new quilter, and have known I needed to do labels for those going to people I know. I've been hung up on the how to. Your video has been the nudge (kick) I needed. One is across the country and too late, but the one most precious to my heart is my mom's, just up two levels.
Great info. I’ve always been baffled about making a label. I just ordered some from Spoonflower, due to your suggestion. Thank you. I really enjoy your channel. ♥️🙏🏼♥️
Thank you, Karen! What a wonderful inspiration you are for so many! I love this video and I had considered myself in the “not worthy” category. Please post a video of your reverse appliqué technique. I see in the comments that others would like to see that as well. Thank you for sharing with us. 😊
I’d love to see a video on reversed edge applique please.
I used the inkjet printing method to make labels for clothes but noticed the ink completely fading away after only a few washes. I pretreated the fabric with the Bubble Jet set 2000 but didn't use a fixative afterward. When I made memory quilts for a client last winter I made sure to use the Bubble Jet Rinse after printing so the text wouldn't wash away.